NEW DATA suggests that Worcester is the most accessible places in the UK for disabled motorists.

Since the UK government announced that those with hidden disabilities could also apply for a blue badge back in 2019, there has been a surge in demand for disabled parking. 

The data study by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts found that 96% of Worcester car parks have disabled spaces- which is great news for blue badge holders in the city.

The company gathered this information using Parkopedia, using the data to calculate the percentage of accessible car parks available in each location.

While Worcester topped the list, Surrey Town, Epsom, came in second place with 95% of their car parks there offering accessible parking. South London’s Croydon came in third with 94% of car parks having disabled spots. 

Here is the full top 10 list:
 

Rank

City

% of car parks without disabled spaces

No. blue badge holders in area

1

Worcester

4%

1,244

2

Epsom

5%

743

3

Croydon

6%

4,542

4

Reading

9%

1,804

5

Newark-on-Trent

11%

1,504

6

Bangor

11%

233

7

Truro

11%

266

8

Kingston upon Thames

12%

4,078

9

Gloucester

13%

1,830

10

Ashford

13%

1,041

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts also revealed the worst UK cities for accessible parking for blue badge holders.

Derby topped the list as 58 per cent of their car parks don’t have disabled spaces despite having 5,112 blue badge holders in the area.

Southampton (46% of car parks without disabled spaces), Liverpool (46% of car parks without disabled spaces) and Belfast (34% of car parks without disabled spaces also topped the list.

Here is the top 10 worst UK towns and cities for accessible parking:

Rank

City

% of car parks without disabled spaces

No. blue badge holders in area

1

Derby

58%

5,112

2

Southampton

46%

3,467

3

Liverpool

44%

6,362

4

Belfast

43%

4,900

5

City of London

43%

59

6

Bradford

42%

6,216

7

Exeter

42%

1,862

8

Preston

41%

2,228

9

Birmingham

39%

15,841

10

Manchester

36%

6,482

Keith Hawes, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, said: “As those with hidden disabilities such as Autism, MS and mental health issues are now allowed to apply for a blue badge it is vital that towns and cities ensure there is more accessible parking available. 

“Cities need to make themselves more inclusive and accessible, particularly as the high street is struggling.

“We're also likely to see more Brits hiring cars and driving to their staycation destinations this summer, as travel abroad is still limited.

“Towns and cities, especially those known for being UK tourist traps, should take a look at their facilities to make sure they can provide inclusive parking for all.”


Where is the cheapest place to park in Worcester- and which car parks have disabled spaces?

We have created an interactive map containing the major places to park in and around Worcester- and also included how much it cost you to stay there.

We have also included some information about the number of standard and disabled parking they have.  

College Precincts, Croft Road and Pitchcroft Car Park are amoung the cheapest places to park (based on prices for an hour); it costs as little as 60p an hour to park in these areas. 

Opposingly, Cornmarket Car Park and Providence Street are among the pricier parking areas and it will cost you up to £1.20 to park here for an hour. 

At Cathedral Square, one hour parking can cost £3 for an hour.